Jannik Sinner had to dig deep to overcome Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the Italian Open semifinals, a match that stretched across two days due to rain. The world number one extends his historic streak to 33 consecutive Masters 1000 victories and reaches his sixth straight final at this level.
The match began on Friday evening at the Foro Italico. Sinner raced through the opening set 6-2 with customary authority, dictating play from the baseline and leaving Medvedev no room to breathe. The Russian appeared resigned to defeat.
Then the script changed. Medvedev found depth in his groundstrokes and began varying his trajectories. The second set became an intense arm-wrestle, with the Russian claiming it 7-5 to level the match. It was the first set anyone had taken from Sinner since the Australian Open.
The Italian regained control in the decider, breaking early to lead 4-2 before rain halted play on Friday evening. Sinner had voiced his frustration at the late scheduling imposed on players in Rome, a criticism shared by several tour members.
Returning to court on Saturday, Sinner wrapped up the final two games to close out the set 6-4. Medvedev deserves credit for pushing the world number one to his limits in what was his first clay-court Masters 1000 semifinal. "It is a match I will not forget, he really pushed me to my limits," the Italian acknowledged.
Sinner faces in Sunday's final. The Norwegian, who dismantled Darderi 6-1, 6-1, awaits an opponent chasing the Career Golden Masters, the feat of winning all nine Masters 1000 titles. Only has achieved it in history.
